On November 2, 1988, a Cessna 170A (registration N5596C) operated by Cruthers V. Sutton was involved in an aviation accident near Springfield, IL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing attempt in a crosswind condition, which resulted in a ground loop and subsequent nose-down impact. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A conventional gear airplane nosed down after ground looping during a landing attempt in a 90-degree right crosswind of 12 knots under VMC.
What happened
The aircraft sustained substantial damage when it nosed down following a ground loop during a landing attempt. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time, with a 90-degree right crosswind blowing at 12 knots. According to the pilot's statement, after touchdown the airplane turned to the right and the left wing dropped. The nose-down attitude occurred when the main landing gear departed the runway surface.
The investigation
The conventional landing gear equipped airplane was substantially damaged when it nosed down after ground looping during a landing attempt. VMC prevailed and a 90 degree right crosswind, blowing at 12 knots, was present. The pilot relates in his statement that after touchdown the airplane turned right and the left wing went down. The airplane nosed down when the main landing gear left the runway.
Findings
The primary factors contributing to the accident were the ground loop during the landing attempt and the presence of a 90-degree right crosswind. The pilot's statement indicates that after touchdown, the airplane turned right and the left wing went down. The airplane nosed down when the main landing gear left the runway.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing attempt in a crosswind condition, which resulted in a ground loop and subsequent nose-down impact.